Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Hi Mom and Dad Well, I loved talking with you guys! It was a lot of fun! It sounds like you had a busy day on Christmas going back and forth between homes. I would have to say that my favorite part of Christmas was talking with you guys. Not much has happened here! We had been teaching a lot of lessons, so that is good. We had been teaching the members. I am so lucky to be living with a good family. They are so great to us!

We are getting our transfer calls next Wed. That is so crazy to think it is that soon. I went shopping today and one of the sisters bought me a coat - that was so nice of her. My coats are not heavy. I will be sending some stuff home that I don’t need any more or have room for.

I am so lucky to have such a great family. Families are so important! I loved talking with you and dad so much. I wish I could have talked to my other family members. Tell Bethany and Jordon hi, and Jared and Cherie hi, too and I love them all! I love you and dad. I am so grateful for you guys in my life! I will talk with you later! Love Sister Musick Hurrah for Israel!!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Sister Musick called us in the evening just as we were beginning our Christmas dinner. She said she was going to call at 7:00 and we got a later start on dinner and forgot the hour time difference so her call came just as we were beginning to eat. I ate my dinner in the other room while listening to her on the phone. She got to talk to her Dad and I and then asked to talk to her Papa and Grandma Kelsey where she challenged her Papa to read part of the introduction of the Book of Mormon so he would understand what she was doing in Idaho. He responded that he knew what she was doing and she told him she wanted him to know why she was doing it. After she got a committment out of him to read it, she proceeded to earnestly testify to him of the truthfulness of the gospel and the restoration of the church and of Jesus Christ, our Savior. It was amazing to hear her and we marveled at how clear and direct she was speaking. We looked at each other and asked, "Who is this girl?" It was so impressive; I was crying, Grandma was crying, Dad had tears in his eyes and Papa had a lump in his throat. It was something else. Later that night Papa turned to me and remarked that I must be pretty proud of my daughter. I don't even think he knows how amazed I was of her. She also made Grandma promise to check up on him to make sure he read (which he has read already). She said he could just go ahead and continue reading once he got through the introduction part and into the Book of Mormon. We all got a chuckle out of that.

She got to talk to her sister, Kelsey, and brother-in-law, Lance, who told her of an few experiences he had on his mission that - without him knowing - were exactly what she needed to hear. She loves her family and (I think) was missing us a little during the holidays, but she is one determined girl and is ready for a new year.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Hi Mom and Dad I just sent you something for Christmas, I hope that you like it, and think of me.

Well, the family sounds a little crazy while caroling. That would be fun! Well I don’t know what to talk about. I did not get your package at all. Sam wrote me, so that is cool! I love that boy (Elder).

Life is fine. We are working hard! The work is fine. It is hard because of Christmas. But is ok! That is life. It was snowing today so we have a little snow on the ground.

Well, I will talk to you Friday. I miss you all. Thank you for your prayers! I will call you at 6:00 pm my time so I think that would be 5:00 pm your time. Love you again!!!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Well Hi Mom, It snowed Sunday night. It was nice to see the snow in the mornings here. We were driving home last night and it was 1 degree! Crazy - the snow is still on the ground! But I like it. I am happy that we have a car!

I will try my best not to be sick.

That sounds like fun and I am glad that you went to Brock’s b-day. They sent me a picture. It was so cute! I miss them!

We did not get to see the 1st Presidency's Christmas Devotional. I was sad but we needed to see a family of ours! It was a good thing! We had a blow up at a family home and the dad (I think) knows it is true and he knows that we are messengers of God, and Madeline has read the BOM three times, all of it!

Church was great . . . the 7 hours we go! I bore my testimony, because we had a investigator(less-active) in church and it was good!

I do not know when we are going to call home for Christmas but we will call you. I am looking forward to talking with you! Will you be home for Christmas this year? Do you wish I could be there to help put up things?

By the way, my boots are too high for me. They hurt my feet! So can you look for flat boots for me? I would also like a ring. I have seen one that has the word Zion on it and then when you change it around it says noiz. It is a laser cut. I would like that! But you don’t have to get it for me.

The work is going good. It is hard work. But I love it! I miss you guys like crazy and miss dad and you, mom a lot. Families are so great! I am grateful to have you in my life! The love a family shows is so great! I am grateful that I can be sealed to my family forever!

Mom and Dad, you are a great example to me and I want what you have. Thank you for all that you do for me and my brothers and sisters.

I love you so much! Talk to you soon! Love Sister Musick Hurrah for Israel!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Hey, Mom I’m sorry about the letter last week. It did not go through. All is going well here. I am staying in Meridian and with sister Ah Sue. We are hoping that this transfer is going to be great!

We are teaching a girl name Codie. She is the step daughter of Darin Tompkins and Lisa Tompkins. She lives with them half the time and spends every other week with her biological father who isn’t LDS. Codie goes to YW and to church with the Tompkins. Her dad doesn’t want her to be baptized. We're teaching the lessons slowly - just a couple principles at a time during FHE. Hopefully her dad’s heart will soften! MOM and DAD, I love this family so much!!!

Thanksgiving was good - I loved it. We went to 5 peoples’ homes. But I was good about eating the food.

[She gave me her home address - if you want it, email Cathy]

The Yardleys are doing something this year. So that will be great! For Christmas I want sweaters and scarves.

Well, thanksgiving sounds like it was good. I love you all and miss you. Tell the family I said hi, and I love them. I am doing good, tired, but good! LOVE YOU!! MISS YOU!! Love, Sister Musick Hoorah for Israel!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Sister Kaylyn Coltrin is so nice, they live on a ranch and it is so cool. The husband is so sweet and the dinner was so good. (We got a phone call the other night from a Sister Kaylyn Coltrin after she ate dinner with them telling us that she looked good and that she had a sweet spirit in their home and in the ward and thanked us for sending her out on a mission to them. That was such a nice surprise!)

Thank you for the suggestion of root beer floats. They were good and I loved it! They are a great family, too (referring to the Rollins family who had them over for dinner on Monday night).

About faith mom - it is hard, but I know that if I trust in the Lord, he will help me. Thank you for these words: “This is the best, most important work you will ever do other than raise righteous children with a supportive priesthood-bearing husband. Enjoy every moment and get to work. (Those were President Hinkley's father’s words.) I love that! It is so true! Thank you Mom. I love you!

Thank you dad for your letter, I loved it! I am happy that you are able to sell the trucks. Hopefully that will be a good car for mom! I have been praying for you to have blessings! So thank you for writing me. I love you so much!

The work is going good! I love it. Next time I will write a story for you. I love you all and pray for you all the time! Love, Sister Musick Hurrah for Israel!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Hi Cathy,We just finished dinner with your daughter and her companion, Sis. Au Sue. We loved having them in our home. What a wonderful spirit they bring with them! You daughter looks well and happy. They had just come from teaching some investigators who had some tough questions about women and the priesthood and why you have to be baptized if you were already baptized in another church. We had a great conversation and I know my husband really enjoyed helping them to know how to answer their questions.

We had rootbeer floats for dessert and Sister Musick seemed excited about that. Thanks for the suggestion! Next time we have them over we will have taco soup, which is a family favorite for us too. Your daughter appreciated the message I passed on about her nephews.

After dinner, they taught a short lesson about faith. Sister Musick seemed much more comfortable teaching today. She talked a little about her shoulder and how she is trying to have faith about that. She did mention that she had had a blessing for her shoulder. We could see how she has already grown in just the short time she has been here.

Sister Au Sue is also a wonderful missionary. She has been here for 4 1/2 months but she is hoping that she won't be transferred in Dec. She said the mission president had said she wouldn't be and she is hoping he won't change his mind. They seem to have bonded and are close and since they are hoping Sister Au Sue won't be transferred, I thought that was a good sign that they must get along well.

Thanks for sharing your daughter with us! We feel privileged to have sisters serving in our ward. They have touched many lives. We really enjoyed getting to know Sister Musick a little better today at dinner. We hope to have them back when our daughter is back at Christmas to prepare for her mission. Since we have to share them with 5 wards, we don't get to have them a much as we would like to but I know Heidi will want to meet them.

I am hoping that Heidi and Stephen do run into each other at the MTC. I think that would be so neat! Thanks for sharing your family blogs. It helped me get to know your daughter a little better. Your grandsons are adorable. I don't mind if you post what I have written to you on Sister Musick's blog. I have been trying to decide if I want to do something like that for our missionaries. I have never done a blog before, so I will have to look into it. It seems like a nice way for family and friends to keep up with what is going on. But I'm not sure I will have the time to keep it up. If there is anything I can do for you or your daughter please let me know. I am so glad to have connected with you!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

I saw a new mom had joined the Sister Missionary North email group and that she was also sending her son out and would have two missionaries out at the same time. Since we have that in common and she was from Meridian, Idaho I introduced myself to her and received this delightful response:

Hi, Cathy. Thanks for you welcome. I was thrilled to hear from you. Your daughter is serving in our ward right now. In fact she is coming to dinner on Monday! I knew she was from CA and wondered if it was near where our daughter is going to be serving. She and her companion came over and taught us a lesson about 3 weeks ago, probably shortly after she got here. Your daughter is very sweet and did an awesome job. Her companion is wonderful and has been instrumental in really reaching out to the members around here. We loved having them here and are really looking forward to having them for dinner on Monday! Is there something special your daughter might like for dinner? Do you have any messages or anything for your daughter? I will give her a "Mom" hug for you!

As far as our kids, yes they will be in the MTC together. Heidi will be there about 3weeks before Stephen arrives. We are assuming he will only be there 3 weeks before he goes to New Zealand and Heidi will be there about 8 weeks since she will be learning Spanish so she will still be there when he leaves. We don't know for sure on the timing because we haven't heard anything on that yet. Is the Los Angeles temple in the San Fernando mission? [No it isn't.]

I am excited to have connected with you. I love these groups! It sure helps make the world (especially in the church) a little smaller!

Friday, November 13, 2009

November 1, 2009How was the Mission Home?We had a good lunch and I liked being with the Elders one more time.What is President Yardley like?He is a great man and he loves being a Mission President and really loves all the missionaries.How did your first interview go?It was easy - he gave me a blessing!How was Sister Yardley?Sweet, loving, cares about her missionaries.What did you do when you got to Boise?Had lunch, went to work, did a lesson with membersWhere is your companion from?Camarillo, CAHow long has she been out? "a few months" - that is what she says.How many sisters are there in your mission?15 Sister Missionaries.Did you get your bedding or was it provided?It was provided.Are you in a car?Yes Are you the navigator?SometimesWant your GPS? (later?) YES!What was it like at church and meeting 5 new wards?It is hard to know all the peopleHow much area does that cover? Is it real small like a few blocks in Provo? It is big - not like ProvoYou live with the Bishop’s family? In the basement or something? We live downstairs, the Bishop is not our Bishop.It sounds like you have traded in your parents for newer models - Heee Heee NO!!!So what was your talk about? Missionary work, we are talking in the singles ward soon, too! We do not cover that ward.How long did you have to speak? About 5 minutes and that was good.Do you teach the Missionary Gospel Essential class on Sundays? NoGma said the Rothwells were in one of the wards and that Tianna came up to you, tell me about it.I was talking in that ward and she was visiting her friend and she came up to me and asked if I remembered her!Do you get many dinner appointments? Who does your cooking? What do you eat? Yes! all the time. The members cook and I eat everything they put in front of me!Where do you go for the internet?The libraryHow far away is the temple from you?7 miles Do you get to go very often?Every P-dayDid you know we love you and love hearing about your mission experiences?Yes!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

My B-day was good, I loved it. The Elders made it good for me! Sister Meacham [who sent the picture below] is one of the ward missionaries in one of my wards. We went out to lunch; it was fun. I got 3 cakes that day. We went to a family’s house for dinner and they made me a cake. Then the people we are living with made me a cake. Amazingly, my weight is the same! President and Sister Yardley called me on my b-day; it was cute! I loved the box you sent me, thank you! Tell Kelsey that I got her letter. But the sad thing is the ring was not in there! :( I wanted a ring because everyone has a ring. But it is ok. Can you tell her to send a picture of the ring so I can see it! I need to hear about faith so the letter is all I need! I got a blessing, as I was worried that I did not have faith. Tell her thank you. I will write her today.

I love hearing about all the things at home, but you do not have to send announcements to me. It makes it hard for me! I am having a hard time being happy. (You know me!) I am having a hard time forging on in the work. I think about my friends all the time and what is going on with them! But it is ok. I am trying to be better! I write to Sam all the time on p-day. They are not long but it is ok. We talk but keep sending me things of his.

I want you to know that I know that families are so important in this church. I am so grateful to have a great family and that I know that we will be together forever! I go in to non-member’s homes and I do not feel to sprit there. But when I go into members’ homes you can feel it there.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

We got an email to day from a sweet sister who lives in Meridian Idaho with a picture of Katie and her companion, Sister Ah Sue, celebrating Katie's birthday at lunch. We thought of her all day and hoped she would have a memorable birthday in the mission field. How very kind; thank you so much Sister Meacham!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Well, Halloween was fine; I still don’t like it. But we visited some people in one of our wards.

It is getting colder here and I love it. I had my first zone conference. It was good. I played b-ball and the Elders were surprised that I could play ball. It was fun to see the look on Pres. Yardley’s face. He played with us. We went to the temple today; it was great!

I talked to the doctor at zone conference. He cannot do anything for me and my shoulder. So I am sad about that. It is hurting bad now, but that is life.

I cannot believe it is my b-day tomorrow - how crazy. The DL said he wants to do something for me. That is nice of him.

Tell Bethany I said Hi. She wrote me CRAZY. I did not think she would. That is great to hear what is going on. Tell Cherie thank you for me and I love her and Bethany. I am so happy for all of you. Sounds like fun. Dad, I love you so much and I think about you a lot. I pray for you all the time too. Keep up the good work in the church.

Mom, thank you for writing me and sending the package for my b-day. I did not open it!! So I do not know what you put in there, but thank you. The work is going good. I love sharing my testimony to people - that is what makes me happy! Thank you all! I love you, mom and dad :)

Saturday, October 31, 2009

This blog with these pictures are a little out of order, but I will take them when I can get them. She also told us that her Preparation days are on Tuesdays and her shoulder continues to hurt. And she loves us! The group pictures at the temple are of her zone and her two companions.

She met her friend from our home ward, Sister Kaylee Worthen, at the temple one day and was able to get a picture. They have been friends since grade school! Sister Worthen is serving in the Winter Quarters Visitor's Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Well, the work is going good. We are working with two girls and I would love them to be baptized. We will ask them to be baptized on Friday! They are so great. The mom and dad are Spanish and do not know anything! So that makes it hard. But they are great girls. Then I meet another girl. Her mom is Spanish, too. There is a girl named Jordon who just got baptized. Oh mom, I love this little girl. Her dad has died so we are going to teach her about the plan of salvation.

I love my comp. her name is sister AH SUE. She is great. We went the temple today! The temple is small. We are living with a family. They are the Lewis family. The mom is so great! She is like you a little bit. The dad is the bishop of the ward.

We cover 5 wards here. We talked on Sunday. That was not fun, but it was ok. Tell the gmas thank you for writing me, and tell Cherie thank you too! I love you mom and dad so much! I miss you! - Sister Musick

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Along with a sweet letter thanking us for sending Katie to join them in Boise was a note encouraging us to also mail handwritten letters from time to time. "Your love and encouragement shared in this way fills a need for those who give so much to others."

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Meridian, Idaho From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaMeridian is the second-largest city in Ada County, Idaho, USA, and the third-largest in the state. As of July 2007, the population estimate of Meridian was 64,642.

Having recently surpassed the eastern Idaho cities of Pocatello and Idaho Falls, the 2007 estimates placed Meridian as the third-largest city in Idaho behind Boise and Nampa, all in the Treasure Valley. Meridian is the state's fastest-growing city, with a 81.5 percent increase in population since 2000. The Meridian School District is the largest in the state. Meridian is part of the Boise metropolitan area.

GeographyThe majority of Meridian lies on a flat plain, roughly in the north central part of Treasure Valley. There is a low bench along the south east edge of the city. The city is crossed by several irrigation canals that generally run from the south east to the north west. The Boise River runs north of the city. The Snake river runs far south of the city. Squaw Butte is visible to the north at 5,873 feet (1,790 m). Shafer Butte is visible to the north east at 7,572 feet (2,308 m). The Owyhee Mountains are visible to the far south.

ClimateMeridian's climate is characterized as semi-arid with four distinct seasons. Meridian experiences hot and dry summers where temperatures can often exceed 100°F (38°C), as well as cold winters with occasional light snowfall. Rainfall is usually infrequent and light, usually averaging less than an inch (25.4 mm) per month. November is the wettest month with an average of 1.35" of precipitation, and August is the driest month with 0.26". Spring and fall are generally temperate.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

I am here safe and sound. I love the people here! I am now in Meridian. It is a small town! Yeah! We had a meeting today with the elders in my District. They are a great branch of elders. I love my comp, she is so cool. We taught 2 lessons yesterday. That was hard, but I loved it. The Spirit guided me though it. I am happy that I can be close to the spirit to help me.

I miss you all and I am happy to hear that Jared got a job. Heavenly Father listens to our prayers. I am grateful for that in my life. I love you all - thank you for your prayers.

I will be sending pictures soon. Sorry that it is taking a long time. I got Aubrey’s letter. It was fun. My friend Brandon wrote me, too. Letters are good. Send more! Thank you.

I got the box, Mom, thank you. I love you for that! I will talk to you later. Pray for me! I will pray for you, Mom and Dad.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

We had a nice 40 minute phone visit with Sister Musick as she waited for her flight to Boise in the Salt Lake City airport. She called about 8:00 am and sounded ready for the next big adventure; although she loved her experience in the MTC and the wonderful people she met there. She was particularly grateful for one of her teachers, Elder Dixon, who was very understanding and supportive of her particular challenges as he had some of his own; so he could relate. Another fellow missionary, Elder Claridge, was very helpful with her reading. She left with 6 elders from her district and they met up with 3 more heading to Boise.

She did injure her shoulder (AGAIN!) while in the MTC. No surprise there – we were expecting that. She was so excited to play ball on the field in front of the Provo Temple with all the other missionaries. This time she was playing softball! They wanted to send her to the doctors, but she refused and opted for some medication instead. It made her sick so she went back to ibuprofen. She did receive a blessing, but she said he didn’t say anything about her shoulder, but all about her mind being open and receptive to the work she needed to do. I guess the shoulder will have to take care of itself.

She had the opportunity to go to the temple twice and she did work the phone center. That was an interesting experience for her, but she did get to send a Bible to someone who called in.

She wanted to know about everyone, particularly Sam. We realized that she doesn’t have access to his letters and the blog anymore so she feels disconnected to him now. I am not sure whether he emails her or not. We will have to send his info her way and vice versa.

Anyway, she was ready to get started among the wonderful people in Idaho. We wish her well and great success.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

We sent Katie a questionnaire at the MTC and thought we'd post the answers.

Who is your companion(s)? Sister Emrazian and Sister Stuart.Where are they from? Utah and Virginia Do you have roommates? Sister Haralan - she's great! I will miss her!Where are they from? UtahWhere are they going? CambodiaHow are your studies going? It is OK. I get tired all the time sitting there. Sometimes it reminds me of schoolWhat is your favorite part of the day? gym and one of my teachers, Brother Dixon's class. He is so funny.What do you study everday? The lesson we are teaching so that I understand it better and then whatever we have to do for the day.What do you do during your free time? Run, basketball, whatever sounds fun :)Is there anything you need/want/forgot? No, Just keep sending letters! I love you guys!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Thank you for sending a questionnaire that was great! I loved it so much! I like the elders in my district; they are so good. I like my teacher Brother Dixon, he is so funny and he helps me a lot. I will miss him. He is a great teacher. I will be sad that I will not be able to talk to him when I need help.

Kaylee [Worthen] left on Monday; I saw her when we took pictures at the temple. So I have some pictures of her. I will be sending you the pictures soon, when I get them.

General Conference was so great. I love being a missionary and hearing those words. It is crazy that I got my schedule to go to Boise now. I feel like I have so much to learn. I do not want to leave the MTC now. I did not want to come here to the MTC, but now I do not want to go. But it will be so great to go and teach the people in Boise. I am so happy that I will be able to call you guys on Tue. I hope you will be there. I miss you all. I am going to try and e-mail Sam now. I will talk to you soon.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Dear Mom and Dad, written 10/06/09Well, what can I say, the MTC is hard work. General Conference was so good. It is so different being a missionary and watching it! The talks were great, I loved Elder Bednar's talk. There was one guy's [?] talk about missionary work that was just great! That night we had a fireside that I loved so much! It was on music.

I saw Kaylee [Worthen, from our home ward], she has one more week there. I saw Kevin [Andersen, her cousin, heading to Colorado Springs, Co Mission] there and talked to him at meal times! He left the MTC on Tues. He said good-bye to me - he was so cute, he said he loved me! Oh and I saw Sam's friend, Travis [from BYU-I heading to Honduras] he saw the Musick name tag on me when I walked by him and he yelled "Sister Musick." It was so funny!

I will email you today but I wanted you to know that I am ok! I love you all and miss you all.Love, Sister MusickHurrah for Israel!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

I just want to tell you I love you! I hope this works. Tell me if the first email works ok. I am working with a lady now to help me with my reading, it is ok. We are going to the temple today, so I am happy. I need all the blessings I can get now! I love being here at the MTC. I like my Elder here. I love you all. Sorry that I am not good at writing e-mails, Mom. I wrote Sam today. Is Jared getting a job? How’s Cherie? How is Bethany doing? Well, love you! Send something. Love, Sister Musick Hurrah for Israel!I know Katie isn't big on writing and letters, but I was thrilled to receive this as it speaks volumes: She's happy, she's getting help, she's going to the temple, she's thinking of others, not quite sure about the Elder thing, but she likes it and that's good. YEAH!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Our dear friends the Dishmans took great care of Sister Musick when she landed in Utah. Little Mom, Bethlyn, made sure she was fed, scriptures studied, rested and delivered right on time to the MTC. The MTC is a well-oiled machine with two missionaries ready to unload and hustle her off without time for pictures and barely time for a hug. We did get the following email from the MTC President tonight with her MTC email address. And so the adventure begins ...

Dear family of Katie Elizabeth Musick,

We are pleased to inform you that your missionary has been safely checked in at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. We thank you for supporting your missionary and know that your family will be blessed as a result.

It seemed like we were sending her off on a "grand adventure". There were no tears only happy faces. We checked her luggage in and sat for about 5 minutes when she asked if she could go through security - she was ready to go. We got a couple of pictures and she was off.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Katie was set apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Sunday, September 27, 2009. Prior to her setting apart, she spoke in Sacrament meeting on the topic of service and did great. The whole family had gathered and all were there except for Sam in Guatemala, a worthy excuse.With ParentsWith siblingsWith GrandparentsWith Brody and Brock

Sunday, September 27, 2009

President Kimball said, “I have learned that it is by serving that we learn how to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellow men, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves. In the mist of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus, that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves. Not only do we find ourselves in terms of acknowledging guidance in our lives, but the more we serve our fellow men in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls … indeed it is easier to find ourselves because there is so much more of us to find.”

Sunday, September 20, 2009

John Wallace Yardley, 55, Panguitch 1st Ward, Panguitch Utah Stake; Area Seventy; former stake president, bishop, Aaronic Priesthood adviser, and missionary in the California South Mission. Owner of Yardley Insurance Agency. Born in Panguitch, Utah, to James Frederick and Alta Hatch Yardley. Married Pamela Riggs, five children.

A ward Young Women secretary, Sister Yardley is a former counselor in a stake Young Women presidency, ward Relief Society president, Relief Society enrichment leader and ward music chairman. Born in Panguitch, Utah, to Jay Angus and Myrtle Gardiner Riggs.

The Idaho Boise Mission came about by way of the Idaho Pocatello Mission. On 1 July 1974 the Idaho Pocatello Mission was formed from the Montana Billings Mission. On 1 July 1979 the mission home was moved to Boise and the name changed to the Idaho Boise Mission. On 1 July 1991, the Idaho Boise mission split to Idaho Boise & Idaho Pocatello missions.

The Idaho Boise Mission includes 30 stakes in South Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon. Most of the population resides in the Snake River Valley in Southern Idaho and the Oregon population is in a narrow band a few miles wide which follows Interstate 84 from Ontario to LaGrande, Oregon.

The Mission extends from Twin Falls, Kimberly, and Carey on the East to Ontario, and Lagrande, Oregon on the West. The Northern boundary extends in Idaho to McCall and Riggins and also includes Sun Valley on the Northeast. All of Idaho East of Twin Falls is in the Idaho Pocatello Mission and the Northern Panhandle is in the Washington Spokane Mission.

Idaho's population is approximately 1,250,000. Boise is the largest city with approximately 250,000 residents and is the only city in Idaho with more than 50,000 people. For the most part, the state is very rural and sparsely populated.

A rapidly increasing Hispanic element, representing 5.3% of the state's population, constitutes Idaho's largest ethnic minority. Among religious groups, the Mormons make up about 29% of the state's population and are the largest, followed by Roman Catholics and Methodists. For more than a century, Idaho has ranked second after Utah in concentration of Mormon population.

Some cities in Eastern Idaho have a Mormon population of 50% to 60%. The Idaho Boise Mission which includes South Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon is closer to 15% to 20%Mormon. Idaho has three Mormon temples, one in Idaho Falls, one in Boise and the third in Rexburg.

On a personal note, Katie's grandparents served in the Portland Oregon Mission in a small town called John Day, Oregon. It has sinced been absorbed into the Idaho Boise Mission. She could possibly serve where her grandparents served!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Sister Missionaries ...

"Many young women are serving missions. Many are preparing to serve, not because they aren't married or have nothing else to do, but because they have the desire to serve and therefore are being called to the work. The reason so many are going is because in the next generation, Heavenly Father will be sending His Priesthood Army to the earth. And He wants to send them to mothers who have been properly trained and taught in the Gospel. And what better training can a young woman have than serving a mission?" - Neal A. Maxwell